Learn how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. It’s always fun to see what traditions people from other countries have. If you know your ancestry, it might be fun to read up on a country where your family comes from and find a tradition to add to your own.
For example, here’s something I read. “Santa Claus is known by British children as Father Christmas. Father Christmas, these days, is quite similar to the American Santa, but his direct ancestor is a certain pagan spirit who regularly appeared in medieval mummer’s plays. The old-fashioned Father Christmas was depicted wearing long robes with sprigs of holly in his long white hair. Children write letters to Father Christmas detailing their requests, but instead of dropping them in the mailbox, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draft carries the letters up the chimney, and theoretically, Father Christmas reads the smoke. Gifts are opened Christmas afternoon.” If I had a fireplace, I would totally do this. I don’t think I’d ever get away with opening presents at noon, but I like the idea of burning the letter so santa can read the smoke. haha. That just seems more magical to me for some reason. And it makes sense, since the chimney is how Santa gets in. 
When my kids are old enough to understand Santa, I will most likely do this. If we don’t have a fireplace, I will light up the bbq and have them throw it in there or something. 
debbie2 said,
December 11, 2008 @ 1:09 am
I like that idea too! Too bad I don’t have a fireplace!